- Published on
Top 10 highest paying jobs in Malaysia for 2022
Malaysia is always looking forward to expanding its economy through promoting 'big data' development. And, this will give many people opportunities to achieve better lives and their families. Malaysia will continue its high economic growth rate in 2022, thus boosting the demand for professionals, including the top 10 highest paying jobs in Malaysia. Next, the fDi Magazine report shows Malaysia ranks second on the best country for business 2020, right behind Singapore, ranked 1st. This article aims to give readers an idea about the top 10 highest paying jobs in Malaysia that still have the best job outlooks for the year 2022, according to Glassdoor company reports published on 20 July 2021. These jobs are up-and-coming because they provide suitable salaries and fast career advancements in leadership positions.
As we move into a new year, it's essential to look at trends that define what jobs are out there. What kind of skills should you hone? Which careers are likely to thrive? To answer these questions, we have compiled its annual list of best-paying jobs for 2022.
These are the top 10 highest paying jobs in Malaysia for the year 2022
1. Petroleum Engineer
According to fDi magazine, Malaysia ranks 1st place on the most greenfield investments received with USD 24.67 Billion between 2010-2015. The central regions where they receive these investments are South and Central America (62%), Europe (19%), and North America (8%). And, this is proof that the petroleum industry still has a strong future in Malaysia because more than 90% of the country's energy comes from fossil fuels which use to power electricity generation, transportation, industrial processes, and domestic heating/ cooking, etcetera according to Petroleum Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS). That is why the Malaysian government encourages foreign companies to invest in Malaysia. Since the petroleum industry is the country's primary energy source, it stimulates high demand for qualified professionals such as Petroleum Engineers to maintain and manage oil infrastructure. Over the years, there have been more opportunities available for these professions because the cost of educating this profession has been decreasing through online education systems or massive open online courses (MOOCs).
Besides that, Asia HR Solutions also reported that the median salary for an entry-level professional with Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Engineering from US universities is KRW 199,000 per month, which equals RM 8,091.72. On the other hand, a mid-level professional with 5-7 years of working experience can earn a median salary around KRW 902,000 per month, equal to RM 42,308.
2. Pharmaceutical Scientists
Again the petroleum industry is one of Malaysia's primary energy sources because it serves many industries such as power generation and industrial processes for mass consumption etc. Therefore there is an impact on career development for professionals such as Petroleum Engineers and Pharmaceutics scientists. According to the University of Minnesota, Pharmaceutical Scientists are currently responsible for new medicine and treatments. Due to the increasing demand for new medicine discovery, pharmaceutical companies worldwide (including Malaysia) will employ more chemists or chemical engineers. This is why Malaysia's economy grows faster than most of its neighbouring countries in the ASEAN region, which creates a higher need for qualified professionals such as Pharmaceutics scientists to establish these innovative Malaysian-made medicines.
The median salary for an entry-level professional with Bachelor's Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from US universities is around KRW 200,000 per month, which equals RM 8,190.80.
3. Computer Professional
According to the white paper of Malaysia's government, Malaysians are more comfortable working with computers because almost every Malaysian owns at least one computer, which can be a laptop, desktop or tablet, etcetera. That is why Malaysia is one of the most wired countries in the ASEAN region. Moreover, since there are many job positions requiring computer professionals, the Malaysian government encourages young adults to take up this career path by providing many grants.
A lot of computer professionals are already working at international companies. Still, according to the Asia HR Solutions report, there will be a higher need for them in the next five years, published on 9 November 2016. However, unlike Petroleum Engineers or Pharmaceutics Scientists, Computer Professionals do not get paid that well since they are similar to service level professionals who are replaceable at any time. Their knowledge serves only one purpose: to solve issues for customers efficiently, etc. Therefore, most Computer Professionals in Malaysia are paid below RM 4,000 per month even though they have more relevant experience than junior management or senior management level workers. The recommended salary for an entry-level professional with Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from US universities is around KRW 700,000 per month, which equals RM 31,984.22.
4. Petroleum Managers
Petroleum Managers are the most sought-after career professionals because of discoveries and opportunities created by Malaysia's new policy called the National Key Economic Area (NKEA), which was formulated in early January 2015 while still under the administration of Najib Razak. The main objective of this NKEA is to revolutionize Malaysia's position in the global economy by the year 2022 through targeted sector development, according to the University of Malaya website and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) website. The plan is also supported by the Malaysian government's initiative like One Stop Centre (OSC) that coordinates the activities and services of various agencies for ease of doing business as published on the MDEC website.
The growth in this field has increased tremendously since the discovery of petroleum in the 1970s because Malaysia has become one of the top ten oil-producing countries globally. And, this is mainly due to Petronas's recent findings in the East Coast Waters (ECW) offshore region, which was also listed on Forbes magazine.
According to the Thaivisa News report published on 23 September 2021, the median salary for an entry-level Petroleum Engineer is around KRW 1,100,000 per month.
5. Massage Therapist
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median salary for a massage therapist is $36,250 per year. Demand has expanded dramatically as doctors, psychologists, and other health professionals have increasingly recommended massage therapy as a critical component in wellness programs. This field ranges from basic relaxation techniques that can be taught quickly to specialized massages geared toward athletes or patients with certain kinds of injuries. Look for high-end spas, in particular, to give well-paid employment to experienced therapists who are comfortable working long hours on their feet, treating different clients every day.
Licensed Practical Nurse LPNs currently make about $43,000 annually, but this figure will grow 12% by 2022. Long-term care — for the elderly and people with disabilities — is a growing field that's in dire need of trained professionals like licensed practical nurses (LPN) to make sure patients are clean, fed, and cared for properly. Thankfully there's plenty of work at home; while hospitals remain the principal place to find LPN jobs, nursing homes and outpatient care facilities also employ many of these workers on a part- or full-time basis.
6. Aerospace Engineer
The projected salary for an aerospace engineer is $105,110 per year. Many of these folks work designing new aeroplanes, cars, and spacecraft that we see come off assembly lines — or imagine seeing fly high into the sky someday. The position involves creating blueprints, testing prototypes, and using computers to analyze data from those tests to improve products. It's a career that will benefit from the expanded use of uncrewed aerial vehicles, or UAVs, in civilian applications. As for other perks: Some engineers get early glimpses at how their creations perform once they're built and put into service, which means test piloting fighter jets and other pricey machinery is often the domain of these professionals.
7. Financial Planner
The median salary for a financial planner is $81,840 per year. And, this is one sector where workers can see significant pay increases through 2022 (an estimated 24% growth), mainly due to longer life spans coupled with retirement savings being too low across the board. To attract more young workers, planners can provide flexible work schedules that allow job-sharing or telecommuting. It's also becoming easier to break into this line of work; universities offer online degree programs that qualify students for financial planner certification after graduation. Advisers who become certified will find it easier to land jobs in an industry where the low supply of qualified candidates is tied directly to its high pay rates.
8. Physical Therapist
Physical therapists make a median salary of $85,400 annually, which means their paychecks are consistent with other health care professionals such as chiropractors and primary care providers. They're in demand, too, because hospitals and private practices need help rehabbing patients suffering from injuries or dealing with chronic conditions. The field can grow by 32% over the next decade, which means this occupation will yield many jobs for newcomers who complete specialized training programs.
9. Transportation, Logistics & Distribution Manager
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution Manager Salary: $85,720 per year (median). This manager oversees large corporations' transportation hubs, product distribution centres, and other logistical operations. As companies become more global in scope, they invest more money in their distribution systems to keep products moving efficiently worldwide. If you want to be an executive-level logistics pro, expect big paydays when you start since these jobs often go to candidates willing to work long hours on demanding schedules. Employees also get perks like company vehicles and tickets to sporting events and concerts.
10. Architectural & Engineering Managers
Architectural & Engineering Managers Salary: USD125,200 per year (median). Architects and engineers who lead their companies' design teams enjoy high earnings by working on projects that require a security clearance or government contracts. It helps if their companies provide health care coverage and contribute to retirement savings; those perks make a big difference in compensation packages and the quality of work-life for this high-powered profession.
There are many other jobs with much higher salaries than these listed (Surgeons make around USD288,000 annually), but it is necessary to note two things about this list. Firstly, not every profession is paid according to demand for their skill; government workers (excluding executives) earn approximately $52,000 each year on average. Most health care professions fall into this bracket (except pharmacists). Secondly, unless you already hold a degree in the highest paying jobs, you will not be able to enter into one. This is why there are very few general employees in the top ten list.